Before & After: Ram Atlanta

[Mike Serpa]

"Atlanta" (Confederate Ram) on James River after capture

 

[Robert Gray]

The Federal officers on board the Atlanta.

 

[Robert Gray]

Stereoview of the Atlanta.

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Impressive ship and crew.

Thank you so much for sharing these pics.

--BBF

 

[TinCan]

Whatever that is in front of the officers has two neat Turk's Heads tied on to it.

 

[AndyHall]

Whatever that is in front of the officers has two neat Turk's Heads tied on to it.

That appears to be the inboard end of the boom extending out from the bow. In C.S. service that would likely be for a spar torpedo, but in this case (in Federal hands) might also be an anti-torpdeo "rake."

 

[TinCan]

I see.

 

[Mark F. Jenkins]

I'm sure it's a "rake;" multiple Union ironclads have been photographed with them in James River service. She clearly has one in the photos in the OP.